Unauthorised drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean: Council prolongs restrictive measures

The Council renewed its restrictive measures imposed in view of Türkiye's unauthorised drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean in 2019, for an additional year, until 30 November 2024.

The restrictive measures consist of an asset freeze for listed persons and entities and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds or economic resources available to those listed. In addition, a travel ban to/through the European Union applies to listed persons.

Currently, two individuals are listed.

The European Union, therefore, maintains its ability to impose targeted restrictive measures on persons or entities responsible for, or involved in, unauthorised drilling activities of hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Background

On 11 November 2019, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2019/1894 concerning restrictive measures in view of Türkiye's unauthorised drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.

This sanctions regime is a direct follow-up to the Council conclusions of 14 October 2019, which were endorsed by the European Council on 17-18 October 2019.